Homeschooling IRL

After 80 episodes, we are finally returning to the topic that has defined this podcast since the very beginning. Join Fletch and Kendra as they sit down in the studio with Jim Applegate to discuss the topic of Hope Shifting. Jim is the lead pastor at Redeemer Church in Modesto, CA and the author of the new book, Hope Shifting: Finding Our Acceptance, Security, Purpose, Value and Significance. We use this episode to define and clarify Hope Shifting and how it relates to both idolatry and the gospel. We also look specifically at how homeschoolers shift their hope daily to both religion and the world and finish by encouraging our listeners to return to putting their hope in Jesus.   This is an episode you will not want to miss and one you will want to share with your friends. Tune into the entire episode and learn how you can win an autographed copy of the book. EPISODE TIMELINE 3:57 - Introduction 9:09 – Part 1: Defining Hope Shifting 23:56 - Part 2: Hope Shifting practical implications 40:00 - Contest notes SHOW NOTES: Recommended Resources: Hope Shifting - by Jim Applegate Previous Episodes Mentioned: Homeschooling Will Save Your Children- Part 1, Episodes  4 Homeschooling Will Save Your Children- Part 2, Episodes  5 Music clips used on this episode: In Christ Alone - Newsboys - Go buy it on iTunes My Soul Knows - Zimmerman - Go buy it on iTunes SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW: Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is: * Follow this link to our iTunes page. * IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes * The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page. * FIRST - Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone. * NEXT - Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!). * Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock! WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL? * You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below. * You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for "HomeschoolingIRL" and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. * Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION. ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

On this episode, HIRLer Chris calls in and asks us: "How can I be a good homeschooling parent raising kids and still take time for the things that feed my soul and bring me joy?" We jumped on this topic, because we love to remind homeschoolers not to "lose themselves"in the midst of schooling the family. We answer the most important question: "How can you be a good care-taker if you are not taking care of yourself?" The short answer is: You can't! You will need to tune in for the rest of the discussion to hear Fletch and Kendra sit down for another honest discussion about the importance of nurturing your soul in the midst of caring for others. EPISODE TIMELINE 3:57 - Introduction 7:13 – Part 1: What Happens When We Forget Ourselves? 19:44 - Part 2: The Importance of Nurturing Ourselves 37:42 - Wrapping It All Up SHOW NOTES: Recommended Resources: None Previous Episodes Mentioned: Depression and the Homeschool Mom, Episode 60 I Love Homeschooling, But I'm Totally Burned Out, Episode 70 What Homeschooling Does To A Marriage? Episode 17 Music clips used on this episode: Just Showed Up For My Own Life - Sara Groves - Go buy it on iTunes All Of Me - John Legend - Go buy it on iTunes SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW: Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is: * Follow this link to our iTunes page. * IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes * The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page. * FIRST - Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone. * NEXT - Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!). * Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock! WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL? * You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below. * You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for "HomeschoolingIRL" and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. * Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION. ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSOR: HEDUA, PUBLISHERS OF DEAR MAGAZINE Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order.

Does Santa have any place in the celebration of Christmas? If you listen to some homeschoolers talk about it, event the mention of Santa Claus associated with Christmas will land you in the "loner's corner" of your co-op. Yet, others celebrate good ol' jolly Santa Claus right next to the baby Jesus. There is also a third category of homeschoolers (like Fletch) who enjoy stirring the pot and cracking off remarks like: "You know...if you rearrange the letters in Santa...it spells S-A-T-A-N." Fletch can be cheeky that way! Where does that leave us? Should we allow Santa to have a seat at the Christmas table or should he and Rudolph be hidden high up on the shelf with that pesky elf? With sleighbells ringing and all the yuletide they can muster, Fletch and Kendra sit down for an open, honest discussion about the celebration of Christmas and answer the question: What should Christian homeschooling parents do with Santa Claus at Christmas? Tune in and join them for a fun and lively debate on this edition of HomeschoolingIRL. EPISODE TIMELINE 1:28 - Introduction 6:26 – Jesus vs. Santa, Part 1 - Homeschoolers draw lines! 17:02 - Jesus vs. Santa, Part 2 -  "You better watch out!" 29:05 - Jesus vs. Santa, Part 3 -  Eat the cake pops! 31:14 - Wrapping It All Up SHOW NOTES: Recommended Resources: Prodigal God by Timothy Keller Hope Shifting by Jim Applegate 5 Terrific Christmas Advent Devotionals - HomeschoolingIRL Blog Previous Episodes Mentioned: None Music clips used on this episode: Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley - Go buy it on iTunes Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Willie Nelson - Go buy it on iTunes SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW: Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is: * Follow this link to our iTunes page. * IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes * The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page. * FIRST - Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone. * NEXT - Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!). * Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock! WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL? * You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below. * You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for "HomeschoolingIRL" and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. * Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released.

We are talking about Family Devotions for the Real Family on this podcast. You know REAL family devotions. The families with the toddler hijacking the deep discussion, and the teens are daydreaming, and mom is falling asleep because it's been a long, long homeschooling day. Can you relate to family worship that looks like this? Family worship can be trying for most families, and on this episode of Homeschooling in Real Life, we talk with a dozen dads about what it looks like in their homes. But we won't leave you feeling like a failure! We want to encourage you to discover God's glory with your family in a way that suits you best. EPISODE TIMELINE 4:11 - Introduction 9:07 – Family Devotions, The Truth 22:09 - Family Devotions, Suggestions for Success 36:34 - Wrapping It All Up   SHOW NOTES: Recommended Resources: None Previous Episodes Mentioned: None Music clips used on this episode: None SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW: Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is: * Follow this link to our iTunes page. * IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes * The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page. * FIRST - Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone. * NEXT - Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!). * Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock! WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL? * You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below. * You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for "HomeschoolingIRL" and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. * Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION. ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSOR: HEDUA, PUBLISHERS OF DEAR MAGAZINE Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order. Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman LISTEN HERE Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press play below Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofi...

This is our final installment in our mini-series of episodes called: Surviving the Holidays. This episode is all about being spread too thin during the holidays. We begin the discussion talking about the unique aspect that holidays can bring to a homeschooling mom. You are already dealing with a full plate and often the holiday season is just one more thing. Next, if we are being really honest, we will admit that the holidays are pre-designed to stress out moms, because everything falls on their shoulders. Lastly, what about "mom guilt" during the holidays? We continue and conclude this episode with a discussion about how to redeem the Christmas holidays and some practical suggestions on keeping yourself from becoming spread to thin. Tune in and don't miss this one. EPISODE TIMELINE :56 – Introduction 8:55 - 3 Reasons We Are Spread Too Thin, Part 1 13:59 - 3 Reasons We Are Spread Too Thin, Part 2 23:00 - Redeeming Christmas/Practical Suggestions 35:26 - Concluding thoughts SHOW NOTES: Recommended Resources: Previous Episodes Mentioned: Episode 8 - Homeschooling with Exchange Students Episode 30 - I Love Homeschooling, But My Kids Are With Me All The Time Episode 41 - Some Dads Have All The Fun Music clips used on this episode: None SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW: Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is: * Follow this link to our iTunes page. * IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes * The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page. * FIRST - Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone. * NEXT - Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!). * Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock! WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL? * You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below. * You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for "HomeschoolingIRL" and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. * Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION. ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSOR: HEDUA, PUBLISHERS OF DEAR MAGAZINE Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order. Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman LISTEN HERE Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press play below

We are in the middle of producing a mini-series of episodes called: Surviving the Holidays. What happens when you are forced to spend time during the holidays with a tricky family situation. On this episode, we focus on what to do when your family does not accept your choices or you struggle with the choices they have made for themselves. How do we gather with our larger families during the holiday season and represent the love and grace of Jesus? How do we as families learn to celebrate the holidays in the midst of challenging family situations? Can we learn to live as examples of Jesus through the criticism? Join Fletch and Kendra as they sit down with homeschool mom and very real friend, Cheryl Beech, for a discussion about living a gospel-centered life in the midst of the holidays. Don't miss this one! EPISODE TIMELINE 2:26 – Introduction 8:30 - Family Feud - My family doesn't accept our choices 20:44 - Family Feud - I don't like my families choices. 30:36 - Concluding thoughts SHOW NOTES: Recommended Resources: None Music clips used on this episode: Family Time - Ziggy Marley - Go buy it on iTunes Everybody Loves Raymond - TV Sound Clip - Go buy it on Amazon Family Feud Theme Song SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW: Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is: * Follow this link to our iTunes page. * IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes * The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page. * FIRST - Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone. * NEXT - Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!). * Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock! WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL? * You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below. * You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for "HomeschoolingIRL" and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. * Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION. ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSOR: HEDUA, PUBLISHERS OF DEAR MAGAZINE Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order. Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman

For the next few weeks, we are producing a mini-series of episodes called: Surviving the Holidays. On this first episode, we are focusing on the financial strain the holidays can cause. How do we look at our holiday spending in light of the gospel? How do we communicate as a family the importance of the holiday in light of the abundance displayed by our culture? And most importantly, how do we participate and celebrate in commerce and gift-buying without shifting our hope? Join Fletch and Kendra as they sit down with friend and financial planner, Bill Kenoyer, for a discussion about living a gospel-centered life in the midst of the holidays. Don't miss it! EPISODE TIMELINE 2:40 – Introduction 8:25 - Budget your money, your time, and your list 24:36 - Finding the gospel and hopeshifting during the holidays 37:07 - Concluding thoughts SHOW NOTES: Recommended Resources: Financial Peace University - Dave Ramsey Prodigal God by Tim Keller Music clips used on this episode: Money, Money, Money - Mamma Mia Soundtrack - Go buy it on iTunes Hey, Big Spender - Sweet Charity Soundtrack - Go buy it on iTunes SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW: Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is: * Follow this link to our iTunes page. * IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes * The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page. * FIRST - Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone. * NEXT - Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!). * Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock! WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL? * You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below. * You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for "HomeschoolingIRL" and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. * Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION. ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSOR: HEDUA, PUBLISHERS OF DEAR MAGAZINE Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order. Check out these cool Homesch...

On this episode, we discuss the topic of homeschooling gifted kids. Do you think your child might be gifted? Off the charts? An outlier? We are going to jump into the discussion on this episode together. Join Fletch and Kendra as they sit down with educator and homeschooling mom of exceptional kids, Colleen Kessler, for a conversation that will open your eyes to the world of homeschooling gifted kids. You'll be encouraged by her experience and equipped with her realistic and helpful suggestions. Don't miss it! EPISODE TIMELINE 0:57 – Introduction 10:18 - Homeschooling Gifted Kids 24:36 - Conclusion SHOW NOTES: Recommended Resources: The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Gifted Children A Letter to Mamas of Gifted Kids Asynchronous Development in Gifted Children Why You Should Homeschool Your Gifted Children Be sure to check out Colleen's books, too.  -  She's a well-respected author! Music used on this episode:   SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW: Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is: * Follow this link to our iTunes page. * IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes * The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page. * FIRST - Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone. * NEXT - Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!). * Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock! WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL? * You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below. * You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for "HomeschoolingIRL" and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. * Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION. ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSOR: HEDUA, PUBLISHERS OF DEAR MAGAZINE

When is the right time to start giving your kids freedom in the area of their finances? At what age should they have a checking account? What about a credit card? And when should we trust them with the internet, social media, and a smart phone? Hal and Melanie Young, authors of Raising Real Men and podcasters right here on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network, have parented their teens and young adults with the belief that they are raising adults, not kids. For them, walking alongside their children with the end goal in mind answers some of those tough questions about when to open the world up to their kids. We think you'll have a lot to chew on as we discuss raising adults on this lively episode of Homeschooling in Real Life. EPISODE TIMELINE 2:38 – Introduction 13:56 - Hal and Melanie Young, Part 1 26:20 -Hal and Melanie Young, Part 2 SHOW NOTES: Music used on this episode: "Dub Feral" Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW: Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is: * Follow this link to our iTunes page. * IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes * The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page. * FIRST - Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone. * NEXT - Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!). * Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock! WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL? * You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below. * You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for "HomeschoolingIRL" and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. * Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION. ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSOR: HEDUA, PUBLISHERS OF DEAR MAGAZINE Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order. Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman LISTEN HERE Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press play below Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and 

We are beyond the days of speculating about whether social media will last. Instead social media continues to morph and reinvent itself into new platforms with new target audiences. Whether it focuses on 140 characters of shared data or photos or just modified chatting with friends, social media is invasive. Are you wondering how to navigate the virtual worlds of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Snapchat with your teenagers? One of our HIRLers wrote in and asked us to tackle the topic of teenagers and social media, so we did what we do best. We sat down and had an open and honest discussion with our own teenagers. We don't do things perfectly and we face the same challenges as you do in your homeschools. We even have regrets. Won't you join us on this podcast as we get real with our kids and let you peek into the conversation with us? More than ever, we want to hear from you. Let us know what you think. This is a great discussion and we think you will love it. EPISODE TIMELINE 1:00 – Introduction 8:49 - Teens and Social Media Discussion Part 1 14:49 -Teens and Social Media Discussion Part 2 21:35 - Teens and Social Media Discussion Part 3 30:24 - Concluding Thoughts with Fletch and Kendra SHOW NOTES: Fletch loves his dog and he loves social media. Follow the adventures of Betty the Surf Dog: Instagram Twitter Facebook SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW: Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is: * Follow this link to our iTunes page. * IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes * The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page. * First things first - click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone. * Next - click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!). * Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock! WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL? * You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below. * Listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your phone, search podcasts for "HomeschoolingIRL" and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. * Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.   ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: Please visit our sponsor: HEDUA, creators of Dear Magazine   Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order.   Check out these cool Homesc

Do you think you are homeschooling a child with dyslexia? Join Fletch and Kendra as they interview Maryann Sunderland. Maryann is the author of Dyslexia 101 and an expert at the subject of homeschooling with dyslexia. She is a homeschool mom of 7 kids (and 6 of them have been diagnosed with dyslexia).  This is a great discussion and we think you will love it. EPISODE TIMELINE 1:00 – Introduction 13:10 - Part One - Interview with Maryann Sunderland 40:09 - Part Two -Interview with Maryann Sunderland SHOW NOTES: WEBSITE Homeschooling with Dyslexia BOOKS REFERENCED: Homeschooling 101 ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: Please visit our sponsor: HEDUA, creators of Dear Magazine Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order. Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.

The statistics say it all, 1 in 5 children will be sexually abused before the age 18. A child is much more likely to be abused by a trusted adult than a stranger. We teach our kids fire safety. We teach them about water safety. We teach them about traffic safety.  Somehow the conversation about personal safety from sexual abuse often gets skipped. Join us on this episode as we interview Justin and Lindsey Holcomb. The Holcombs have recently authored a new book called God Made All of Me - A Book To Help Children Protect Their Bodies. We talk through the topic of sexual abuse. We use real words and talk through a few tips to prevent your children from becoming victims of sexual abuse.  We even address the issue of shame and guilt by parents who feel they missed having this conversation with their kids. Join us for an honest discussion. EPISODE TIMELINE 2:58 – Introduction 10:31 - Part One - Interview with Justin and Lindsey Holcomb 30:09 - Part Two -Interview with Justin and Lindsey Holcomb SHOW NOTES: OUR GUESTS JustinHolcomb.com G.R.A.C.E. - Godly Response To Abuse In Religious Environments Twitter: @justinholcomb and @lindseyholcomb BOOKS REFERENCED: God Made All Of Me ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: Please visit our sponsor: HEDUA, creators of Dear Magazine Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order. Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman Click the photo link below to get 25% off Carol Topp's Microbusiness for Teens (September 2015) and don't forget to listen to her 50th Anniversary Episode here. Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.

On this episode, we welcome back a favorite guest on this podcast. Thomas Umstaatd, Jr. joined us on Episode 26 when we discussed his viral blog post: Is Courtship Fundamentally Flawed?  On this episode, we return to the topic and discuss again if courtship is better than dating? Are families who practice courtship instead of dating out of touch, or have they found a method of creating solid marriages? We discuss with our guest how the current courtship movement began during the early decades of homeschooling. Parents were compelled to try something other than the cultural dating norms, but this model has fallen short of its intended purpose. Whether you are in favor of courtship, dating, or a combination of the two, we think you'll enjoy this episode and conversation and hope it spurs on good things in your own home. EPISODE TIMELINE 3:06 – Introduction 11:18 - Part One - Courtship in Crisis 30:23 - Part Two - Courtship in Crisis SHOW NOTES: PREVIOUS PODCASTS: Is Courtship Fundamentally Flawed - Episode 26 BOOKS REFERENCED: Courtship in Crisis - Thomas Ustattd, Jr. ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: Please visit our sponsor: HEDUA, creators of Dear Magazine Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order. Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman Click the photo link below to get 25% off Carol Topp's Microbusiness for Teens (September 2015) and don't forget to listen to her 50th Anniversary Episode here. Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.

This is not the first time we have tackled the topic of girls on the podcast. On Episode 10, we talked about many of the common pitfalls we have observed in homeschool families raising daughters. From restrictive environments to preventing any access to higher education, we dove into tough topics. On this episode, we are getting very practical, especially as it relates to raising daughters into the pre-teen years. Join us as we dive into the discussion on how to navigate the tricky years of hormones and body changes as we sit down to talk about girls, again. EPISODE TIMELINE :54 – Introduction 10:57 - Part One - Tween-agers 28:57 - Part Two - Managing Hormones 43:27 - Part Three - DEAR Magazine SHOW NOTES: PREVIOUS PODCASTS: HomeschoolingIRL Episode 10: Girls MUSIC USED: Thank Heaven For Little Girls by Maurice Chevalier - BUY IT HERE ON iTunes ARTICLES REFERENCED: Your Daughter's Hormones - Homegrown Mom Blog   ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: Please visit our sponsor: HEDUA, creators of Dear Magazine   Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order. Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.

Back in Episode 9, we sat down with our friends and fellow podcasters, Hal and Melanie Young from Making Biblical Family Life Practical, to discuss the topic of boys. We talked about how these rambunctious little piles of energy can completely undo the unprepared homeschool mom. From peeing on the carpet to falling from the top of the trees, we discussed how the overload of testosterone is a God-given gift to young men who need discipling and direction from both parents, especially as you prepare boys for adolescence and young adulthood. On this second episode, we dive back into the topic of raising boys. We begin by reminding our listeners that in the midst of basic school curriculum, we need to also address basic life lessons. We also answer a listener's question about living in a small space with boys full of energy. We finish our by discussing how to raise boys with a sense of adventure and how sometimes we need to let life teach the hard lessons to stubborn boys. Also in this show, Fletch and Kendra share a few more of their favorite items as they throw them into the HIRLer's Treasure Chest.   EPISODE TIMELINE :53 – Introduction 12:52 - Part One - Smart/Dumb teenagers 28:03 - Part Two - Boys in a small space 37:53 - Part Three - Manners 46:43 - HIRLers Treasure Chest Show Notes HIRLer's Treasure Chest Fletch: Life is Good.com Kendra: Chewy Gooey Crispy Crunchy Melt In Your Mouth Cookies MUSIC USED: The Boys Are Back In Town by Thin Lizzie - buy it here on iTunes Boys by The Beatles - buy it here on iTunes ARTICLES REFERENCED: My Teenage Sons Are The Smartest People I Know HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers - Check out these cool tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman Please visit our sponsor: HEDUA, creators of The Well Planned Day Planner Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order. Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.